Mr. A. Duckworthasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the recent fall in the price of eggs and of the increasing difficulties that now face producers as a result of the rise in the price of feeding-stuffs; and whether he will shortly be in a position to make a statement on Government policy relative to the poultry industry?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware of the position in the poultry industry, both in regard to the price of eggs and of poultry feeding-stuffs. In regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made on
Numbers employed. Estimated approximate numbers to be employed in 1938. Dockyard. Jan, 1936. Jan, 1937 Estd. Hired. Estd. Hired. Estd. Hired. Portsmouth … … … 3,016 11,414 2,961 13,478 3,075 14,300 Devonport … … … 2,433 9,698 2,311 11,174 2,475 12,400 Chatham … … … 1,933 7,923 1,820 8,352 1,875 9,100 Sheerness … … … 698 1,422 676 1,588 675 1;600 I would add with regard to the difference in the numbers of established workmen shown in the table that in consequence of arrangements made during the war an exceptionally high ratio of established numbers to hired numbers arose in the early post-war years. The general reduction which was then necessary to restore the position has now been arrested and the revised quotas of established posts which have been authorised in the past year or so are having the effect of increasing established numbers.